All posts by SHLF

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit joins call for decriminalization of substances

As opioid overdoses continue to reach crisis levels, the Simcoe Muskoka District Board of Health has endorsed the recommendations of the Canadian Public Health Association for decriminalization of personal use of psychoactive substances.

Criminalizing personal use amounts, historically, hasn’t worked, Janice Greco, manager of injury and substance misuse prevention program for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, said.

“We’ve had a criminal approach: that person is left with a criminal record and that’s quite damaging,” Greco said. “It hasn’t decreased use. If anything, we have increasing use.”

The choice to use illicit substances often transcend deterrents and are rooted in social, cultural, and economic factors.

Decriminalizing illegal substances wouldn’t be a cure-all for the opioid epidemic, but part of a larger support system.

Problematic use and addiction, according to a briefing note by the SMDHU, accounts for only 11.6 per cent of illicit drug use.

“If a person is found with illicit substances on them, they won’t be given a criminal record, but instead will be offered health and social support to help them move forward,” Greco said.

A criminal record and incarceration can affect a person’s ability to get a job, impact their risk of overdose, HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis.

In Portugal and other European countries where decriminalization has been introduced, overdose cases and drug-related crimes have decreased.

In the current system, Greco said, a conservative estimate of the cost of enforcement, the judicial system, and incarcerations, cost $2-billion, with a large number of offences in Canada being possession.

Diverting that money into health and social services could lead to governmental savings.

But Greco said decriminalization in Canada still has a long way to go.

“It’s a conceptual drug policy,” Greco said. “We’re suggesting the federal and provincial government move this way. In terms of operationalizing it that would take a fair bit of work.”

For decriminalization to be successful, public health policy would incorporate a broader range of treatment options, improve harm reduction methods such as safe-injection sites and drug purity testing services.

In relation to the Simcoe Muskoka Opioid Strategy, the enforcement strategy is choosing to focus on drug trafficking rather than possession.

Take a hike! Explore trails in Bradford and beyond

There are plenty of great hiking trails in and around Bradford where you spend an hour or two, or more, getting exercise while enjoying the great outdoors.

Here are five:

Nokiidaa Trail

Part of this trail network includes an easy 4.5-kilometre on the west side of in East Gwillimbury. It starts on the south-west side of a dam and winds along the Holland River through mixed bush, meadow and a small wetland.

Scanlon Creek Conservation Area Trail

A moderately challenging, 3.5-kilometre, located just north of Bradford, takes you along rolling terrain, across the creek, through a wetland and forest.

Spring Creek Trail

This two-kilometre, , accessed off in Alliston, follows Spring Creek. Along the route you’ll pass a wide variety of trees including beech trees, hard sugar maples, Manitoba maple, red pine, red dogwood, hemlock, cedar and white ash.

Thornton Bales Conservation Area

Want a challenge? Nicknamed this King conservation area, off west of Bathurst Street, offers trails for the physically fit. Part of the Oak Ridges Moraine, it has an elevation that drops 54 metres. A side trail provides access to the Koffler Scientific Reserve at Joker’s Hill.

Welsh Tract  

Dubbed , this 2.2-kilometre trail, off west of 5th Side Road, winds through old growth forest and boasts rolling hills plus a secluded pond nestled among a cedar grove and sumacs.


Reet Skelton — Springwater Township Ward 5

Reet Skelton: Accountable. Compassionate. Experienced

I am running for Council in Springwater Township, Ward 5. Now, more than ever, we need a Council that is committed to embracing the positive impacts while minimizing the negative outcomes of growth. I will bring a positive voice to future growth while ensuring safety, services and wise use of taxpayers’ dollars.

A Midhurst resident for 27 years, I’m also an involved Springwater resident. I sat on the Springwater Public Library Board for 15 years and held the role of chair. I was subsequently employed as CEO for 18 months, during which time I successfully led the library through vital transition and expansion. This gave me a unique perspective on the difference between Council and Township staff roles. I am a member of the Midhurst Community Recreation Association.  

My professional experience began after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Medicine. This led to a 35-year career working with persons with developmental disabilities, in capacities such as program development, volunteer management and public relations — all promoting inclusion. I was a founding board member of both OADD (Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities) and PAVR-O (Professional Association of Volunteer Leaders — Ontario). As Municipal Council acts as a board of directors for their Township, I believe my varied board experience will greatly benefit Ward 5 residents.

Change is a constant. That Ward 5’s population will grow is a reality. With your vote, I will navigate us through this transition, working diligently with council, Township staff and developers to ensure that Ward 5 grows responsibly, methodically, and with respect and extreme care for the environment, without skyrocketing taxes. Responsible growth will bring economic benefits, diversity and enhanced services to our community.

I’m proud to be a Springwater resident and promise to be honest and transparent as Councillor of Ward 5. Vote for Reet Skelton as your voice of reason.  

If you’d like to share your thoughts, please contact me at or at .

Soldiers from CFB Borden performing training exercises until Aug. 18

Soldiers from CFB Borden’s Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) school will conduct a training exercise in and around the outskirts of the base until Aug. 18.

Approximately 100 soldiers will be familiarizing themselves with the conduct of military operations in a deployed context. They may be seen entering and exiting the gates around CFB Borden and driving around in convoys of eight to 10 vehicles on the main roads immediately surrounding the base.

The soldiers will be armed, but any blank or pyrotechnic ammunition will only be used within the confines of CFB Borden.

This course is designed to enhance the knowledge of tactics and administration as it relates to Maintenance Units in the Canadian Armed Forces.

South Simcoe police investigate Bradford home break and enter

South Simcoe Police Service is investigating a daytime break and enter July 24 at a Bradford residence.

Police were called to a home in the Holland Street West and Barrie Street area

about 7:30 p.m. after residents arrived home from work to discover a burglary. Numerous items valued at thousands of dollars were reported missing by the residents.

Anyone with information regarding this break and enter is asked to call

905-775-3311, 705-436-2141 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Police remind that break and enters are often a crime of opportunity. The more difficult it is for thieves to access a home, the more likely it is that

they will move along. 

South Simcoe Police Service suggests a few basic steps residents can take to protect their property:

*Always lock your doors and windows as well as your vehicle doors and garage doors. Secure all basement and ground-level windows and patio doors.

*Do not leave keys or garage door openers inside of your vehicle when it is parked in the driveway.

*Do not announce your travel plans or absence from home on social media or your phone’s voice mail.

*Do not discuss the contents of your home with others or leave boxes and packaging for expensive items on display in recycling bins.

*Ensure your exterior lights are functioning.

*Trim all shrubs and trees so that doors and windows are in clear view.

If going away on vacation or an extended absence, police suggest asking a trusted neighbour to watch your house and make your home appear lived-in by observing these tips:

*Using timer-controlled lights.

*Having mail and/or paper delivery temporarily stopped or delivered elsewhere.

*Having trusted people periodically attend for lawn cutting and garbage can placement, etc.

*Arranging for neighbours to park in your driveway.

*Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and self-tapping screws in the upper track of patio doors and windows.

*Consider installing a home security system with an audible alarm and video surveillance and ensure that everybody in the house knows how it works.

*Consider storing valuables in a safety deposit box.

*When someone rings your doorbell or knocks on your door, make them aware that someone is home, even if you don’t feel comfortable answering the door.

For example, call out to the person that you are unable to currently answer the door right now.

Preservation society one step closer to owning Collingwood lighthouse

The Nottawasaga Lighthouse Preservation Society (NLPS) is once step closer to owning the lighthouse.

The society announced last week it has received notice from the federal government that both parties will be moving forward with facilitating transfer of ownership.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans confirmed that a required Indigenous land claim study is nearing conclusion.

“The intent of these investigations is to determine whether any claims exist as the result of pre-existing treaties or agreements made between the government and other parties,” said Robert Square, government liaison for the society.

The preservation society was incorporated and received charitable status in 2015 to ensure that the heritage resources of the Nottawasaga Island Lighthouse are protected.

The lighthouse is one of six “imperial towers” of the Great Lakes constructed in 1855-1858.

Public meeting set for July 11 for proposed condo development in Beeton

The Beeton Station Condominium development will be the focus of a public meeting taking place next week.

The town received an application from a developer seeking to build two four-storey condo buildings on a vacant 5.36-acre site on the west side of Dayfoot Street, south of Danielle Gate.

The buildings are to include a total of 87 units, a two-storey clubhouse and underground and surface parking.

The application seeks to re-designate the lands from medium density residential to urban residential exception.

John Robulack, the architect behind the proposal, made a brief presentation to council back in November.

He told council the proposal seeks to honour the heritage of Beeton and would feature Victorian-style buildings.

He also said the site includes lands that were purchased from the South Simcoe Railway and the developer would rebuild the 1887 era train station, allowing residents to ride the steam train between Tottenham and Beeton.

At the meeting, Coun. Richard Norcross highlighted a number of issues that would need to be addressed, including the location of the sidewalk on Dayfoot Street, storm water management, traffic studies and parking.

The public meeting takes place Wednesday, July 11 at 7 p.m.


Wasaga woman finds it tough to reach water’s edge because of accessibility issues

Kathleen Thackaberry stares down the sandy slope to the beckoning waves beyond.

“I’d make it down, but I wouldn’t make it back up,” said Thackaberry, as she shuffles, cane in hand, back to her husband’s van.

The Thackaberrys bought their cottage on Mosley Street more than 15 years ago, when Kathleen would have thought nothing of walking down 14th Street to access the beach.

She and her husband, Foster, came to Canada in 1982. She first worked in nursing, then in the school system with children with mobility issues.

“We bought the cottage so I could go down to the beach,” she said. “I’m from Trinidad, so this reminds me of my home.”

Today, she can’t go for more than a few feet — and certainly not down a sandy slope. The next nearest access to the beach, at 15th Street, is no better.

“For me to walk even a little bit is painful. I can walk down, but coming back I’m frightened I’d end up in an ambulance,” Thackaberry said, noting she hurt her ankle the previous week trying to get up the slope. An elderly neighbour broke a rib after falling while trying to navigate her way up the access point.

When it rains, the water creates gullies that make the walk even more treacherous.`

Thackaberry wonders why either the municipality or Ontario Parks can’t install a walkway — not just for her, she said, but for a number of neighbourhood residents who have mobility issues.

The access points are owned by Ontario Parks; an Ontario Parks representative did not respond to a request for interview.

In 2013, polymer mats called Mobi Mats were installed at and, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to access the water and washrooms. Fred Heyduk, the chair of the town’s accessibility advisory committee, said those were determined to be the best two locations based on parking, ease of access, and availability of washroom facilities.

Heyduk said the committee is considering purchasing another, “but they are really expensive.”

The first mats were purchased thanks to a federal government grant and a donation from a Stonebridge owner Hamount Investments.

Last year, the committee arranged for the purchase of two Mobi Chairs that can be taken into the water; the chairs are free to use, and available at Nancy Island and the provincial park office.

The committee is discussing the purchase of ‘wings’ for the Mobi Mats that would allow an individual using a wheelchair to pull off to the side of the main mat area at the water’s edge. It would be a project in 2019, if it receives budget approval.

“There’s definitely more to be done,” Heyduk said. “We’re making that beach as accessible as possible, but we also have to be cautious and courteous of our guests who come to Wasaga Beach.”

The committee’s other initiatives have included recommendations to make public transit stops accessible, and the installation of audible crosswalk signals.

“You might not see it, but we are making a lot of improvements and a lot of headway,” Heyduk said. “The town is … all about making this beach more accessible for seniors.”

“(But) we have to mindful where we’re going to spend money.”

Thackaberry hopes her issue can be addressed, since driving somewhere else to access one of the other beach areas is a “huge rigmarole.”

“We worked hard to get this little cottage, and for us not to be able to access the beach is hard,” she said.

Collingwood Elvis Festival back for 24th year this weekend

Are you ready to shake, rattle and roll?

The Elvis Festival returns for its 24th year from July 27-29 and will see hundreds of tribute artists and thousands of fans descend on Collingwood to celebrate the king of rock n’ roll.

The festival will feature three days of performances at various venues in Collingwood as well as Blue Mountain Village.

The annual competition kicks off at 1 p.m. on July 27 at the centre stage on Hurontario Street between First and Second streets.

The annual street party will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and run until 9 p.m. on Hurontario Street.

There will be three performances at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena throughout the weekend.

The first takes place at 11 a.m. on July 28 and will see the top 30 tribute artists compete in the semi finals as well as a showcase of past grand champions of the event.

The signature event of the festival takes is called Elvis United and takes place at the Eddie Bush Arena at 8 p.m.

The show will feature youth champion Connor Russo, Brycen Katolinsky, former Ultimate Elvis champion Dean Z and 2017 grand champion Gordon Hendricks.

The final event in the Eddie Bush Arena will be the grand finals at 2 p.m. on July 29 and will see the crowning of the 2018 grand champion.

Tribute artists John and Mason Cigan will be giving people an opportunity to express their inner Elvis as they host an open mic session at the inner Elvis stage near Third Street at 11 a.m., on each day of the event.

On July 28, OLG Spotlight Showcase takes place at centre stage at noon, featuring past champions Jesse Aron, Bruce Andrew Stewart, Corny Rempel and Norm Ackland Jr.

Elvis historian and blues performer Memphis Jones will be performing with his band at Blue Mountain Village at 5 p.m. on July 28.

There will also be a host of performances at local restaurants and businesses throughout the weekend as well as the vendor market in downtown Collingwood. For more information, visit .

Basil Clarke — Ramara Township mayor

Dear constituents of Ramara Township:

I have considered it a privilege to serve Ramara Township in multiple capacities over the past 18 years: two terms as councillor, two terms as Deputy Mayor and one term as mayor. I’ve chaired numerous committees, both in Ramara and at the Simcoe County level. I have a great working relationship with our surrounding municipalities and local First Nations communities. With this experience, I feel that I am the best candidate to lead council as mayor for the next four years.

I have extensive experience working with the Simcoe County Economic Development committee, in the position of chair, for three years. Working alongside the economic development committee, we have sold 23 acres of Ramara’s industrial land. The businesses are not up and running yet, but they soon will be and will provide Ramara Township with much needed commercial taxes and jobs. My goal for the next four years is to sell the remaining 22 acres.

In the term prior to my time as mayor, Ramara was cut off from all provincial grants. After numerous meetings with Municipal Affairs, I have re-established a good working relationship with the province, and Ramara has access once again to grants. Our bank account has gone from a $3 million deficit to a $2 million balance, and we have increased our reserves to $6 million. Continuing with this fiscal responsibility, I want to ensure that in the next four years, as we move forward with new projects, we never jeopardize our finances again.

We need to continue our partnerships with Simcoe County and SWIFT to bring affordable high-speed internet to Ramara. This will not happen overnight, but I have already begun this process. This will also involve creating new partnerships, one possibility being Ramara township building towers and renting space to smaller internet providers.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve this wonderful community.

Sincerely,

Basil Clarke